Tsunamis
Tsunamis are very rare, but happen fast. Learn more about what to do and how to stay safe.
Your Impact
Action Steps & Tips
Introduction
This action is designed to be used with the Get Prepared Steps, be sure to complete Steps 1-5!
1Step 1: Learn about tsunamis
When and where do tsunamis happen and how does the alert system work?
What can happen during a tsunami?
A tsunami is a series of enormous waves following an earthquake, volcanic eruption, meteor, explosion or any other event that can impact the ocean or a big lake and move a large amount of water. Tsunamis bring huge waves of water very quickly. Tsunamis can travel as fast as a jetliner across the deep ocean — over 500 mph — then slow down to 20 to 30 miles per hour in shallower water close to land. Most tsunamis waves are less than 10 feet high, but waves can be as high as 100 feet in extreme cases.
When and where can tsunamis happen?
Tsunamis can happen any time of the year, anywhere along a coastline. The highest tsunami risk areas in the U.S. are along the Pacific Ocean and in the Caribbean. Areas at greatest risk include those:
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Within one mile of a shoreline.
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Less than 25 feet above sea level.
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Along rivers or streams that feed into the ocean.
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Near earthquake faults in the ocean.
What’s the difference between a tsunami watch and a tsunami warning?
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A tsunami watch means a dangerous tsunami hasn’t been verified but is possible and could be as little as an hour away. Pay close attention to alerts and keep a news station or app or NOAA weather radio on for updates. If possible, seek higher ground right away.
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A tsunami warning means a dangerous tsunami has been sighted or indicated by weather radar, and you need to take shelter immediately.
2Step 2: Add these items to your plan
Add these items to your plan in Step 3. Make a plan and print out the one page information sheet to add to your kit.
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Make sure your evacuation plans include a spot that’s 100 feet above sea level, or at least one mile inland.
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If you live in Hawaii or Guam, see if you’re in a tsunami evacuation zone: https://tsunami.coast.noaa.gov/
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Sometimes a loud roar or sucking/vacuum sound from the ocean precedes a tsunami. You may also see the waterline withdraw out to sea, before bigger waves rush onto land and inland. If you see this, head to higher ground right away!
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Tsunami waves don’t follow at regular intervals, so the first wave may not be the biggest. Once you evacuate, stay in a safe place until you receive notice that it’s okay to return.
3Step 3: Add these items to your household prep plans
Add these items to your household preparation in Step 4. Resilience for Homeowners/Renters
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If you don’t have flood insurance, look into it. If you have flood insurance, but it’s been a while since you purchased it, review your policy to make sure you have sufficient coverage and renew if needed. Visit floodsmart.gov to find flood insurance plans in your state.
4Step 4: Learn what to do during a tsunami
If a tsunami is coming, don’t panic! Take action and get to a safe location.
Tsunamis are generally triggered by earthquakes.
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If you’re in a tsunami area and you feel an earthquake, drop, cover and hold on until the earthquake is over. Then listen for natural signs and official alerts about a tsunami, or just go to higher ground to be safe!
Evacuating: If you hear a tsunami warning or see signs of a tsunami, evacuate immediately and follow your emergency plan. If you feel threatened, don’t wait for official orders to evacuate, just go!
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In tsunami-prone zones, evacuation routes are often marked by a wave with an arrow pointing in the direction of the evacuation route.
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If you are in a boat, face into the waves and go further out to sea. This may seem counterintuitive, but the waves get bigger as they get to shore, so if you’re already on the water, further out to sea is safer. If you’re in a harbor, go inland.
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Rushing water from waves, floods, and rivers is incredibly powerful. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock adults off their feet, and twelve inches can carry away a small car. Dangerous debris can also be floating in the water. Don’t try to walk or drive through water if you can avoid it.
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If you get swept up in the water, grab onto something that floats, such as a raft, tree trunk, or door.
5Step 5: Learn what to do right after a tsunami
If you’ve had to evacuate, it may be just a few hours or many days before you can return home. When you do, remember it’s normal to feel anxiety or grief, so take care of yourself and your loved ones. The most important thing is that you and your loved ones are safe, and you’ve done what you could to lower your risks and protect your home.
Basic Necessities:
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Shelter: If your home isn’t safe or habitable and you can’t stay with neighbors or friends, find a local shelter near you. You can:
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text SHELTER and your zip code to 4FEMA (43362), e.g. SHELTER 01234.
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Search on the FEMA app or Red Cross app for open shelters.
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In the FEMA app, click “Disaster Resources” → “Shelters” → “Map View”
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In the Red Cross app, click the Maps icon on the bottom right.
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Food & Water: If you do not have access to food and water, or if you’re not certain your supplies are safe to consume, get supplies if you are able or find a local food bank by contacting a shelter or through feedingamerica.org
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First aid: If anyone is seriously or injured, call 911 or go to the hospital. If you are not sure, err on the side of caution and get medical help. If the injury is minor, administer first aid if you are trained and contact your healthcare provider for instructions.
Once you know everyone is safe:
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Contact family and friends, including your out-of-area emergency contact. For non-emergencies, use text or social media to reduce the strain on phone systems. Check in on your neighbors — this is a time we need to lean on each other.
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Wait for authorities to confirm it’s safe to return to your area. When you get home, enter carefully and be mindful of hazards.
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Don’t enter your home if there’s any chance of structural damage. Have a trained professional check your home and clear it for safe re-entry.
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Avoid damaged or fallen power lines and poles and report them to your utility immediately.
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If there’s been an earthquake, aftershocks may continue for some time afterward. Any time you feel an aftershock, drop, cover and hold on again.
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Avoid walking or driving in floodwaters. Moving water can sweep people away and both moving and stationary water can carry debris, bacteria, gasoline and other contaminants.
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Do not touch anything electrical if it’s wet or if you are standing in water. Turn off the main breaker if it’s safe to do so and wait for an electrician or local authorities.
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When you start cleaning up, wear protective clothing, sturdy shoes or boots, and work gloves.Use a face covering if you could be cleaning where mold is present.
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If anyone in your household has lung or autoimmune conditions, including asthma, have them stay out of buildings that have visible signs or smells of mold.
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If flood water entered your home, look out for pests, snakes and other animals that may have gotten inside.
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Read Step 5. Recovery After a Disaster for important information on safe cleanup, support resources and handling insurance after a tsunami event. Be sure to take photos for insurance before you clean!